A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Orkney Islands vs. Basel for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Basel?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Orkney Islands and Basel can help you decide which place is right for you.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a remote, serene, and tranquil archipelago. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Basel

Basel is a easily accessible, beautiful, and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Orkney Islands and Basel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Basel?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Basel. Although Orkney Islands and Basel are both popular with visitors, Basel has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Basel is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Orkney Islands is known for its food, beaches, and hiking. Basel is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is popular for its many museums and its nice old town. It is also home to The Kunstmuseum Basel. Orkney Islands is popular for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

How is Orkney Islands different from Basel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Basel and Orkney Islands. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orkney Islands or Basel?

Basel is great for its historical sights. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Basel specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

Orkney Islands is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.

Is the Food Better in Orkney Islands or Basel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Orkney Islands is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Orkney Islands. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

Basel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

Is Orkney Islands or Basel Better for Nightlife?

Basel is very good for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Basel has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Basel Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is notable for the beache. However, Basel is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Orkney Islands. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

Basel is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Basel Better for its Old Town?

Basel is great for its historic old town charm. However, Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Basel. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

Is Orkney Islands or Basel Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Basel is not a hiking destination.

Orkney Islands is a popular spot for hiking. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

Basel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Basel?

Basel is great for its shopping areas. However, Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Basel. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Basel Better for Families?

Basel is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Basel. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer. If the weather's warm, head for the river to cool off.

Orkney Islands is a family-friendly place to visit. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm Museum.

Is Orkney Islands or Basel Better for Couples?

Orkney Islands is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Orkney Islands is a very popular place to visit for couples. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

Basel is a good archipelago for couples to visit. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Is Orkney Islands or Basel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Orkney Islands is notable for backpackers. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago to visit for backpackers. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

Basel is a good archipelago to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels and a really useful City Pass that make this city an option for backpackers and budget travelers. It's also a major transit center so accessibility is convenient. If you're traveling around Europe by train, you'll likely pass through Basel at some point.

Is Orkney Islands or Basel Better for Students?

Basel is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

Basel is very popular with students. The University of Basel brings in international students from around the world. The city makes a nice base for exploring Europe, but it's also a bit expensive which can be challenging on a student income.

Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

Is Orkney Islands or Basel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Basel is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its public transit.

The public transit in Basel can get you to most places easily. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

Orkney Islands has a few public transit options. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

Is Orkney Islands or Basel a more walkable city?

Basel is renowned for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

Basel is a very easy city to get around on foot. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible on foot.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Orkney Islands Worth Visiting? and Is Basel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Basel or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Basel?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Orkney Islands and Basel. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Orkney Islands than in Basel. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 1-3 days is enough time in Basel.

Families should spend more time in Basel than Orkney Islands. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Basel, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Orkney Islands than Basel. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Orkney Islands that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Orkney Islands or Basel?

In Orkney Islands, many people enjoy the food and museums that this natural destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Basel, you'll find museums and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Basel?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orkney Islands. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Basel is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Orkney Islands or Basel?

Orkney Islands is a fun place to experience. In Orkney Islands, many people enjoy the food and museums that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Basel. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Orkney Islands or Basel?

In Orkney Islands, many people enjoy the museums and food that this natural destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Basel. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Orkney Islands and Basel, we can see that Basel is more expensive. And not only is Orkney Islands much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Orkney Islands would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Orkney Islands and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Basel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Basel than you might in Orkney Islands.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Orkney Islands Expensive? and Is Basel Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Orkney Islands or Basel?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Basel in the Summer?

Both Basel and Orkney Islands during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Basel for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Orkney Islands is generally much colder than Basel. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 12°C (54°F), and Basel fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In Basel, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Basel. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 241 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets less rain in July than Basel. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Basel receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Basel in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Basel. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Basel in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Orkney Islands is cooler than Basel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Basel fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Basel during autumn. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Orkney Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Basel. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Basel receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Basel in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Basel. Many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Basel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Basel can be very cold during winter. Orkney Islands can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Orkney Islands is a little warmer than Basel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orkney Islands in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Basel averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Basel. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 55 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands receives a lot of rain in the winter. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in January than Basel. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Basel receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Basel in the Spring?

Both Basel and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Basel because of the natural beauty.

In April, Orkney Islands is generally much colder than Basel. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 6°C (43°F), and Basel fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Basel during spring. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Orkney Islands usually receives less rain than Basel. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Basel receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Basel and Orkney Islands